Toyota axes the Yaris Sedan (Vios) from Indian lineup

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota Yaris, the model which we know as the Vios, is officially discontinued from the Indian market after a stay of around three years. The primary reason for the discontinuation could be the falling sales numbers as the compact sedan space in India is dominated by the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. 

However, the existing Yaris owners need not be worried about this as the Japanese automaker has confirmed that it will continue to offer after-sales support. Also, the brand’s genuine spare parts for the discontinued model will be on offer for a minimum of the next 10 years. 

“This move is a part of Toyota’s product strategy to continue to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the customer through enhanced technologies and product offerings. In every sense, the Yaris is truly a top-class, versatile sedan. Ever since its India debut, the Yaris built on Toyota’s QDR philosophy, won the hearts of the customers with its stunning style & design, leading features, low maintenance cost, and unmatchable drivability, thus creating a unique ownership experience,” says Toyota Kirloskar Motors, the official distributor of Toyota cars in India.

In place of the Yaris sedan, Toyota India is planning to bring a rebadged Maruti Suzuki model i.e. Ciaz. It has also filed a trademark application for the name ‘Belta’. The upcoming car is assumed to be identical to the Ciaz and as per that it will be equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine generating a maximum power output of 103 bhp and a peak torque of 138 Nm. The mill also features the brand’s SHVS mild-hybrid system for better low-end performance and increased fuel efficiency. It is likely to be launched in early 2022.

Toyota’s India lineup already has two rebadged Maruti Suzuki models named Glanza and Urban Cruiser based on the Baleno and Vitara Brezza, respectively.

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